The Indian railways history - 151,000 km of laid track, 1 billion people, and an infinite source of memories

 

Indian Railways

151,000 km of laid track, 1 billion people, and an infinite source of memories

Indian Railways, also known as the Indian Railways Corporation (IRC), is the national railway system of India. It is operated and managed by the Ministry of Railways, which is a part of the Government of India. Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world, covering over 68,000 kilometers of track and serving millions of passengers every day.

Key Facts about Indian Railways:

1. History: The first railway line in India was opened in 1853, connecting Mumbai (then Bombay) and Thane. The network grew rapidly under British rule and continued to expand after India gained independence in 1947.

2. Zones and Divisions: Indian Railways is divided into several zones and divisions for efficient management and administration. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, there are 18 railway zones and 73 divisions.

3. Passenger Services: Indian Railways operates a wide range of passenger services, including long-distance trains, suburban trains in major cities, and luxury tourist trains like the Palace on Wheels and the Maharajas' Express.

4. Classes of Travel: Indian Railways offers various classes of travel to suit different budgets and preferences. These include First Class AC, Second Class AC, Third Class AC, Sleeper Class, Chair Car, and General Class.

5. Ticketing: Passengers can book train tickets through various channels, including online portals, railway reservation counters, and mobile applications. The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is responsible for online ticketing and catering services.

6. Freight Services: Indian Railways also plays a crucial role in transporting freight across the country. It operates dedicated freight corridors and offers services for transporting goods such as coal, petroleum, fertilizers, and agricultural produce.

7. Technological Advancements: Indian Railways has been adopting modern technologies to enhance efficiency and passenger experience. Initiatives like the introduction of high-speed trains, digital ticketing systems, and the use of solar power for train operations have been implemented.

8. Safety and Security: Indian Railways places a strong emphasis on safety and security. It has implemented measures like the installation of CCTV cameras, emergency helpline numbers, and regular maintenance of tracks and infrastructure.

9. Employment: Indian Railways is a major employer in India, providing jobs to a significant number of people across various positions. It offers employment opportunities for both technical and non-technical staff.

10. Impact and Connectivity: Indian Railways plays a vital role in connecting remote areas and enabling economic development. It is an important mode of transportation for millions of people, especially in areas where road connectivity is limited.

Indian Railways — Google Arts & Culture

The history of Indian Railways dates back to over 160 years ago. The first railway proposals for India were made in Madras in 1832 1. India’s first railway line was named Red Hill Railroad and was built by Arthur Cotton to transport granite for road-building. It ran from the Red Hills in Chennai to the Chintadripet bridge in Madras and was opened on 12 September 1837 12. On 16th April 1853, the first passenger train ran between Bori Bunder (Bombay) and Thane, a distance of 34 km. It was operated by three locomotives, named Sahib, Sultan and Sindh, and had thirteen carriages 2.

After independence in 1947, Indian Railways was formed by amalgamation of 42 railways owned by the former Indian princely states. The network stood at 55,000 kms after independence in 1947. In 1952, the existing rail networks were divided into six Zones for administrative purpose